SimCity_AmusementWall 05 Mar

Electronic Arts has confirmed that it is closing Maxis, the studio behind the SimCity franchise.

Development of SimCity and The Sims will continue throughout other EA studios, however the Maxis home offices in Emeryville, California will be closed.

“Today we are consolidating Maxis IP development to our studios in Redwood Shores, Salt Lake City, Helsinki and Melbourne locations as we close our Emeryville location. Maxis continues to support and develop new experiences for current Sims and SimCity players, while expanding our franchises to new platforms and developing new cross-platform IP,” EA said in a statement today.

“These changes do not impact our plans for The Sims. Players will continue to see rich new experiences in The Sims 4, with our first expansion pack coming soon along with a full slate of additional updates and content in the pipeline.”

EA also notes that imployees impacted by the closure will be given opportunities within other Maxis and EA studios. “For those that are leaving the company, we are working to ensure the best possible transition with separation packages and career assistance,” EA added.

(via Polygon)